Friday, February 23, 2018

Partnerships

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! This month we celebrated our long-standing partnership between school and parents with the annual Founders' Day Banquet. Led by our district PTSA (Parents Teachers Students Association) board members and our superintendent, Andrea Oquist, the ceremony highlighted all the accomplishments that our district has made due to our partners in the PTA. Each unit recognized both staff and parents and even students for the higher levels. Our own Cathy Minor received a "Distinguished Parent" award and I was humbled to receive a "Distinguished Staff" award. To be honest, it's easy to look good when I am surrounded by so many outstanding staff members and parent volunteers. Livonia as a district and Buchanan as a building is very fortunate to have such great partnerships with the PTA. Thank you to all our partners in education!



 UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN
Wednesday, February 28: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM / Teacher Training in the afternoon

Thursday, March 1: Mileage Club Begins! 

Friday, March 9: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM / Records Day for Teachers
Saturday, March 10: PTA Pancake Breakfast and Book Fair Kick Off

Week of March 12: Scholastic Book Fair & Jump Rope for Heart (in PE Classes)
Friday, March 16: Report Cards go home


MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF
Mrs. Pisko - Fourth Grade Teacher
Greetings Buchanan Community! My name is Lisa Pisko. Currently, I am one of four, fourth grade teachers!  I have had the honor and privilege to be on staff member at Buchanan for almost 10 years.  For most of my time at Buchanan, I have taught fourth grade.  You many not know this, but, I have also taught second and third grade as well.  When I miss working with younger students, one of my favorite things to do on a rainy day is walk down to our lower elementary rooms and socialize with the little ones!   I always invite my fourth graders, and usually have more volunteers than I can take with me.  Parents may not believe this, but our older students love seeing their younger siblings at school!  For me, the interaction is priceless!  Buchanan has changed a lot over the years, but Buchanan's community has been a constant positive force in my life.  

I have worked at two other Livonia Public Schools.  When I was first hired by Livonia, I taught at Garfield Elementary. While at Garfield I had a multiage classroom.  Having a multiage classroom really teaches you how to look at students as individuals to meet their needs.  After a couple of years, an opportunity presented itself to teach second grade at Roosevelt, so I took this opportunity and moved.  Later, Livonia consolidated and our Roosevelt staff was merged with Buchanan, and the rest is history!

Something that students know about me that parents may not know, is that I taught for six years in Detroit.  I could write a book of stories that I love sharing with my class when a "Teaching Moment" presents itself.  Working in Detroit was an incredible experience where I made many friends life long friends.  Just before coming to the suburbs of Livonia, I worked in what was then a rural part of Michigan, Carleton.  That too was an amazing experience as it differed significantly from the urban setting of Detroit.  As I reflect as a teacher, I feel incredibly fortunate, and blessed, to have had such diverse teaching experiences!

My personal life too is diverse and multifaceted. I am so proud of my two amazing children Nick & Lexie, both of which are newly married!  Nick & Chelsea were married a couple of years ago, and Lexie & Mason were just married last summer.  I am remarried to a wonderful Haitian man, Nelson.  We met in the Dominican Republic.  My husband speaks Creole, French, Italian and Spanish fluently! ( I am so jealous!)  Finally, just recently my husband became a United States citizen!  I'll never forget that he cried because he was so proud to be an American.  My favorite after school activity is spending time with my family!  My husband and I love cooking, and passing on the tradition of cooking and eating together!  I love to cook Mexican and he cooks Haitian! ( the rice dishes are yummy!)   I believe that we make our own happiness and I find mine with my family, friend and students! 

A goal I have every single year is to make fourth grade the best it can be for students and their families.  I am always striving to create that perfect balance of meeting curriculum expectations, and keeping children and their families happy.

My words that describe Buchanan and the community are accepting of diversity, loving, kind and hard working!

 PTA POINTS
  • Please keep sending Box Tops in! Our final submission for the year is March 1. The class that brings in the most tops will win a pizza party from the PTA!
  • Nomination forms for next year's executive board are being accepted, all positions are open. Please fill out the form and return to school if you are interested. Any questions, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com. 
  • Moms Night Out/ Make and Take party will be Wednesday March 21, 6:00-8:00pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. RSVP with selections and money are due March 6. A separate email was sent with the sign up form and choice of sayings, if you have any questions, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com. 

Did you know that Livonia has the largest PTA unit in the state of Michigan? Livonia has had a long and proud partnership between the PTA and our school district. We are recognized across the state as leaders in school-parent partnerships and that's something to be proud of! Great things are happening in Livonia and at Buchanan! 

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Friday, February 16, 2018

In House Experts

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! For the past two months, we have been trying something new at Buchanan. Rather than me speaking at each staff meeting or having others come in, we are tapping into the expertise of the our teaching staff. Each week, teachers have been sharing out resources they use or presenting on an area they are knowledgeable in. The result is transforming staff meetings into short professional development sessions led by the experts in our own building. I've been so impressed with the Buchanan staff and their willingness to share with and help one another. Its a true TEAM! We all have something to share and teach one another. Make sure you are sharing your knowledge and your areas of interest and expertise with others. Together we are better!

The Amazing Buchanan Staff! 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN

Monday, February 19: No School for President's Day
Wednesday, February 21: PTSA Founder's Day Banquet at Schoolcraft College
Thursday, February 22: PTA Meeting at 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM / Teacher Training in the afternoon

Thursday, March 1: Mileage Club Begins! 

Friday, March 9: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM / Records Day for Teachers
Saturday, March 10: PTA Pancake Breakfast and Book Fair Kick Off

Week of March 12: Scholastic Book Fair and Jump Rope for Heart in PE Classes
Friday, March 16: Report Cards go home

MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF
Ms. Ford - Library Media Specialist

Hello, Buchanan families!  My name is Heather Ford, and I have been the library media specialist here at Buchanan Elementary for 16 years.  Prior to that, I was a classroom teacher for 4 years (3 years at Coolidge, and 1 year at Buchanan).  I love getting to know all of the students here at Buchanan, along with teaching them library and research skills!

In my spare time, I enjoy reading (naturally), music, cross-stitching, doing Sudoku puzzles, traveling, and spending time with my family.  On occasion, I can be found at a classic car show with my dad (he's the car expert, not me!).

A goal I have for this school year is to weed half of the library's nonfiction section (removing books that are outdated or in need of replacement).

Five words I would use to describe Buchanan are welcoming, caring, collaborative, engaging, and fun!

PTA POINTS
  • Please keep sending Box Tops in! Our final submission for the year is March 1. The class that brings in the most tops will win a pizza party from the PTA!
  • We have a general membership meeting on Thursday February 22, 7:00pm. Nomination forms for next year's executive board are being accepted, all positions are open. Please fill out the form and return to school if you are interested. Any questions, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com. 
  • Moms Night Out/ Make and Take party will be Wednesday March 21, 6:00-8:00pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. RSVP with selections and money are due March 6. A separate email was sent with the sign up form and choice of sayings, if you have any questions, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com. 

Did you know that Buchanan is starting up the Mileage Club? It's an opportunity for students to be physically active and earn achievement tokens for the laps they complete. A big thank you to Mrs. Trantham, Mrs. Edwards, and all the Buchanan staff who help make this program possible for our students. The Mileage Club will be held during lunch recess daily and will begin March 1. Great things are happening at Buchanan! 


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Thursday, February 8, 2018

Service Above Self

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! This week, I had some reminders of how important service projects are for our students. Early in the week, I was invited to the Cub Scout banquet and got to hear about the wonderful things our scouts are doing in the community. As a former scout, it brought back many great memories. Later in the week, I helped my daughter fill out her log for her school service club. It made me proud to see that she is working at making a difference in our community. As a Rotarian, I also have the privilege to join with other community members in service projects throughout the year. In fact, our motto in Rotary is "Service Above Self". I have always found that I get far more in return when I participate in service projects than I give. My hope is that ALL of our Buchanan students have the opportunity to give back to our community through service and know the feeling that comes from helping others!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN

 Monday, February 19: No School for President's Day
Wednesday, February 21: PTSA Founder's Day Banquet at Schoolcraft College
Thursday, February 22: PTA Meeting 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM / Teacher Training in the afternoon

Wednesday, March 7: New Kindergarten Families Information Night 6:00 PM
Friday, March 9: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM / Teacher Records Day, PTA Skate Night at Riverside Arena 6:00-8:00 PM

MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF
Mrs. Kamin - Resource Room Teacher 
Hi Buchanan Families!  My name is Carrie Kamin and I am the resource room teacher here at Buchanan.  This is my tenth year in the resource room and before this, I taught first grade for 2 years, one year at Buchanan and one year at Cass.  I have loved seeing both the Buchanan and Cass communities merge and become one!

I live in Livonia with my husband and our three daughters.  Kailyn is 9 and is in fourth grade, Kylie is 6 and in first grade, and Kinsley will be one at the end of March.  My older two both attend Buchanan and Kinsley is a future Buchanan Bear!  When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.  We love traveling to Disney and camping around Michigan in the summers.

A goal I have for myself this school year is to help my students feel comfortable taking risks in my classroom. 

Five words to describe Buchanan are fun, energizing, welcoming, inspiring, and nurturing.  

PTA POINTS
  • We are happy to announce that we were able to buy headphones for all our Buchanan Bears for use in the computer lab and in classrooms! These are to be used during school only and remain in classrooms. Our teachers and students were all very excited when we delivered them to classrooms this week! 
  • We are looking for our 2018-19 PTA Executive Board! All positions are open, if you or someone you know is interested, please fill out the nomination form and return to school. Any questions on positions or duties, please email Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com. We will present our nomination slate at our March general membership meeting. We will also be looking for Chairs/Co-chairs for next year's events. 
  • Please join us for our first ever Buchanan Breakfast & Books on Saturday March 10, 9:00am-12:00pm! We will have a pancake breakfast and shopping at our book fair.  More details will be coming home soon. 
  • We have another new event, Moms Night Out/ Make and Take Sign party on March 21, 6:00-8:00pm. Moms will be painting & adhering vinyl sayings to wood boards. We will serve light snacks and refreshments. Please see attached flyer for more information and to sign up. RSVP with selections and money are due by March 6.
  • We are planning a Garden Beautification project starting this April to freshen up our outdoor area and have the area available for classes to use. We have a Chairperson but this is going to be a large project and we will need a committee of people to help with planning along with many volunteers doing the work. We are looking into having a dedication ceremony in May along with burying a time capsule to commemorate our new school. More details to come but if you are interested in helping, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com.  ​​

Did you know that Livonia Public Schools promotes "Youth Making a Difference" projects? Students can do service work as an individual or class/group. The activities can happen later in the year, but the forms for projects need to be submitted by February 16. In April, there will be a district wide ceremony to honor all the students who did service projects. Great things are happening at Buchanan! 
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Friday, February 2, 2018

VIP

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! Things have been busy at Buchanan! We recently had Miss Williams recognized at the WNIC "Teacher of the Week", we had first grade student, Emily, serve as the Student Principal, our new episode of the Buchanan Podcast was released, and we held our VIP dance at Riley Upper Elementary School. One of the students asked me what VIP stood for and when I told him, "Very Important Person", he responded that those people must feel like somebody special. My goal is that every staff member and every student at Buchanan feels like a VIP, because they all are somebody special. We may not give out awards to every person, but we can make all people feel valued, respected, and special when they walk in the door. Together, we can make Buchanan a school full of VIPs!!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN

Wednesday, February 14: Happy Valentine's Day!!
Friday, February 16: 100th Day of School Celebrations

Monday, February 19: No School for President's Day
Wednesday, February 21: PTSA Founder's Day Celebration at Schoolcraft College
Thursday, February 22: PTA Meeting at 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28: Students Dismissed at 12:10 PM (Teacher Training in the PM)

MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF
Mrs. Edwards - Third Grade Teacher 

Hi Buchanan families! My name is Melissa Edwards and I am a 3rd grade teacher here at Buchanan Elementary.  This is my 12th year teaching here, time goes by fast when you are having fun! I have also taught at Roosevelt and Taylor elementary here in Livonia. This is my 19th year teaching overall and I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. I love being a part of this school and community and look forward to coming to school everyday to teach and learn with my students!

I live in Canton with my husband and two daughters. Kendall is 7 and is a first grader here at Buchanan and my 4 year old Ivy will be coming here for Kindergarten next year! We are also excited to add another addition to our family soon. We have another little girl due in early April. We love to travel around Michigan and go camping in the summer, we  have found some great spots on our little adventures!

Some goals I have for this school year are that all students love coming to school and feel like they are in a safe environment. 

The 5 words I would use to describe Buchanan Elementary are: fun, welcoming, positive, encouraging and safe
In addition to smart phones, we are asking parents to keep other connected devices (like apple watches) at home and not on students unless the teacher has designated an "electronics day" celebration. Thank you! 


PTA POINTS


Did you know that we are implementing some new protocols for dismissal? In an effort to improve the monitoring of our students and increase the safety of our dismissal routines, we are asking that all parents clear the gym after picking up their children. We will be doing a sweep of the gym after the final bus departs (4:10 PM) for any remaining students that have not been picked up. Thank you for your cooperation and support. Great things are happening at Buchanan! 
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